Torcal de Antequera

This amazing karstic landscape is the nature reserve found atop a mountain peak in Antequera called Torcal de Antequera. It´s around 60km north from Malaga’s capital (Map below). It is a mountainous region covered in weather worn limestone cliffs and rocks on top of a single peak. The wind and rain erosion of the limestone rocks in this area have formed some spectacular rock formations. Due to this location once being under sea level around 200 million years ago, you can also find a large amount of fossils among the rocks.

Along the journey through the valleys and gorges you can come across family´s of goats and cattle which roam freely around the reserve. Also flying around the steep slopes surrounding Torcal, you can find birds such as vultures and falcons using the thermal currents. You have two options for your hike at Torcal, Basically you have a short route and a long route which both start out following the same path. The shorter route is 1.5km and takes about 1 hour. This path takes a early left and cuts across the reserve before circling back to the start point. The longer path is 2.7km takes around 2 hours and goes deeper into the reserve before circling back to the start point. All paths are marked along the way with painted lines on rocks and trees to keep you going in the right direction.

From the highest points around the mountain top you get breath taking view of the surrounding mountains and fields of Malaga and Granada. Although this location is a little remote, it does contain various parking spots. The best parking is located at the top of the mountain next to the tourist café which includes park information and various food and drink snacks. You also find all the routes staring at this point but beware parking is limited. In the busy season the reserve may close the road leading up to the peak due to overcrowding. This means you will have to park were you can and either walk or take a bus service which is put into place to take people to the top. The walk is a 3.5km relatively steep hike to the top which takes about a hour if you want to walk and gives you a chance to take in the amazing views.